Grilled Pear, Honey, and Brie Crostini

How This Grilled Pear Honey Brie Crostini Recipe Came to Be

When Salt Lake Magazine asked me to contribute honey recipes for their Best of the Beehive issue, I knew I wanted to highlight Utah’s incredible honey. We tested several ideas with family and friends, and this grilled pear, honey, and brie crostini won everyone over. The combination of creamy brie, sweet caramelized pears, and a drizzle of honey with fresh rosemary is simple but unforgettable. The photo shoot at Heidi Larsen’s house was a blast, and seeing the recipe in print still feels surreal.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer Recipe

• The sweet, caramelized pears and creamy brie create a perfect savory-sweet bite.
• It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a go-to for last-minute entertaining.
• This vegetarian appetizer is elegant enough for parties but easy enough for a weeknight snack.

Key Ingredients for Grilled Pear Brie Crostini

• Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou so they hold up on the grill without turning mushy. Bartlett works too if you watch them closely.
• Brie: Use a good-quality brie and remove the rind for a smoother melt. You can substitute camembert or a triple-cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Honey: A mild, floral honey lets the pear and brie shine. Local honey adds a nice regional touch if you have it.

Kitchen Tools for Honey Crostini

• Baking sheet for toasting the baguette slices with brie
• Grill or grill pan for caramelizing the pear slices
• Sharp knife for slicing baguette and pears evenly
• Pastry brush for applying honey to the pears

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Pear Honey Brie Crostini

Slice the baguette about ½ inch thick so it holds up under the melted brie and pear. If the slices are too thin, they’ll get soggy. When grilling the pears, brush them lightly with honey and cook just until they soften and get grill marks, about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking turns them to mush. Keep an eye on the brie in the oven; it melts quickly, and you want it gooey but not running off the bread.

How to Grill Pears for Crostini

Grilling pears brings out their natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with brie. Start with a clean, lightly oiled grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush each pear slice with honey before placing it on the grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until you see distinct grill marks and the pear feels tender when pressed. Don’t move them too early or they’ll stick. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works well too.

Grilled Pear Brie Crostini Variations to Try

Swap the pears for apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) for a different sweet-tart flavor. If you want a stronger cheese, try gorgonzola or goat cheese instead of brie. Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. For a savory twist, top with a few thin slices of prosciutto before the pear. You can also use a gluten-free baguette to make this appetizer gluten-free.

What to Serve with Fresh Rosemary Crostini

These crostini are best served warm, right after assembly. They make a fantastic appetizer for a dinner party or holiday gathering. Pair them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a charcuterie board with nuts and dried fruit.

How to Store Leftover Crostini

These crostini are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The bread will soften, so they won’t be as crispy. If you plan to make them ahead, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving.

Can You Freeze Grilled Pear Brie Crostini?

Freezing assembled crostini is not recommended because the bread and cheese texture suffer. However, you can freeze the grilled pears separately in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and use them on freshly toasted baguette slices with brie.

Best Ways to Reheat Crostini

To bring back some crunch, reheat the crostini in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet and warm just until the brie is melty again. Avoid the microwave, which will make the bread rubbery. If the pears seem dry, add a tiny fresh drizzle of honey after reheating.

Grilled Pear Honey Brie Crostini FAQs